CBS’s Historic Decision Fixes NCIS Season 24’s Biggest Problem
NCIS season 24's biggest problem can be effectively resolved thanks to CBS's historic decision. With the way the 2024-2026 TV cycle ended, MCRT is looking at some major changes moving forward. The premier procedural feels like it has been in this long transitional phase, starting when it said goodbye to Emily Wickersham's Ellie Bishop and Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs' respective exits. Since then, CBS has been rebuilding the project, starting by strengthening the dynamic of the revamped MCRT.
The bigger NCIS franchise is also going through some major changes, with the upcoming debut of NCIS: New York and some operational alterations for NCIS: Origins season 3 and NCIS: Sydney. That said, arguably the most interesting developments are in the flagship. NCIS season 23 left things on a massive cliffhanger, setting up Matteo, McGee's secret son, as a villain, while Gabriel LaRoche returned to position himself as the next agency director. When NCIS's revamped Super Tuesday debuts, however, MCRT's biggest problem will have a clear fix.
NCIS Season 24 Brings Back A Former Character For A Year-Long Arc For The First Time
Ahead of the production start for the series, it was announced that Michael Weatherly is coming back as Tony Dinozzo Jr. for a season-long arc. This continues NCIS's tradition of seeing the return of former cast members for a new adventure. Considering the show's long history, it has become an effective way to drum up nostalgia. That being said, Weatherly's comeback is particularly special, because this is the first time that NCIS is having an alum for a whole season. Season 23 brought back both Roma Maffia as Vera Strickland and Wickersham's Bishop for a single-episode plot. Even Cote de Pablo's return in NCIS season 17 as Ziva David only lasted for multiple episodes before she left again.
Specific details about Dinozzo's return are still scant at the moment. It's safe to say that CBS and NCIS are purposefully keeping plot information about what brings him back to Washington DC after years of living in Europe until the show finally premieres. That being said, considering how long he will be in Navy Yard, especially since it seems like he will be on his own, it's safe to say that it's for something very big. It cannot simply be the good guys investigating a straightforward crime. Luckily, NCIS season 24 has the perfect role for him.
Tony Dinozzo Jr. Is The Perfect Leon Vance Replacement In NCIS Season 24
When Dinozzo returned in NCIS season 21, it was for Ducky Mallard's send-off episode. Now that he's coming back for a longer period of time, the best way to utilize him is to position him as the new agency director. The death of Director Leon Vance has left a void in the operation that LaRoche is currently targeting, and as he made it clear, he is stopping at nothing for the job. Given what Alden Parker was able to do to avert the threat posed by Wayne Rogers, it isn't out of the realm of possibility that MCRT would be asking for Dinozzo's help, backing up his candidacy for the post.
His exceptional record as part of Gibbs' team and his success in the private sector make the character an easy sell to be NCIS's new director. Most importantly, it keeps LaRoche out and ensures that MCRT has a solid ally. Unless something changes from the original plan for the character, Weatherly's NCIS comeback stint is temporary, but this is actually a great thing, as the series can still continue laying on the groundwork for Vance's true successor, which should really be McGee.
Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for my weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.